World Council of Churches Scholars Gathering April 7-9, 2006
‘We cannot deny our unity; we confess the same Lord! What divides us is really trivial. If we sit at a table we can find solutions together’ -Nebojsa Tumara (Serbia-Montenegro)
This April nine WCC scholars currently studying in the United States came together for a time of sharing, fellowship and reflection. The gathering was the third annual World Council of Churches scholars gathering, hosted this year by Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY. This is a time for the scholars to fellowship together, reflect on their time in the United States, and consider how to carry on their ecumenical work when they return to their home countries and churches.
Throughout the course of the weekend the scholars reflected on the theme of the 9th Assembly, “God in your grace, transform the world.” They discussed how this theme relates to situations in their home countries, in their current US placement, and in their personal lives. The scholars shared their concerns and their personal trials, cementing their commitment to be in community and in solidarity with each other.
‘The best part of the event was the possibility to meet one another and share our personal experiences.’
‘Thank you for helping us to build community with each other apart from the scholarship allowance.’
- Comments from the gathering evaluations
There are currently nine WCC Scholars working on their postgraduate studies in the United States. They represent a wide variety of denominational traditions from all over the world. They include: Jean Baptiste Ledou, a Methodist from Haiti, and Myra Salapang, a Methodist from the Philippines, both studying at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO.; Samuel Sudhe and Nicholas Sichangi, Anglicans from Kenya who are studying at Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia; Nebojsa Tumara, from the Serbian Orthodox Church in Serbia – Montenegro, studying at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY; Zippora Mwaura, from the Orthodox Church in Kenya, studying at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Hellenic College in Brookline, MA; David Kataate from the Anglican Church in Uganda, studying at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MI; Renemsongla Ozukum, a Baptist from Nagaland, India, studying at Union Theological Seminary in New York, NY; and Josephine Sichoongwe from the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church in Zambia, studying at Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY.
Lexington Theological Seminary was generous enough to host the annual WCC Scholars Gathering in the USA at their campus. The scholars were welcomed by the wonderful organization of Rachel Childress, the director of student services, and by the words of Dr. Daisy Machado:
‘Your presence here helps to remind the LTS community of the world and of the beauty of the body of Christ’ – Dr. Machado (Vice President of Academic Affairs, Lexington Theological Seminary)
As an inspired addition to the program this year, Rachel Childress arranged for the scholars to break bread and join local congregations for vespers services both nights. This fellowship allowed the local churches to connect to the WCC through the scholars, and gave the scholars an opportunity to get a sense of Kentucky through the wonderful hospitality they received.
‘It was a delight to have the scholars with us in fellowship and worship. All of those in attendance from the Midway Christian Church were blessed by spending time with the scholars that evening. The experience brought an enriched sense of meaning to the phrase " the body of Christ.’ – Joan M. Schlsning (Student Associate Minister, Midway Christian Church)
The scholars always appreciate having the time and space to meet and get to know each other face to face, and they come away with a sense of what the World Council of Churches is and how they fit into this ecumenical, international program.
‘The WCC staff are just wonderful people who need to be credited for their efforts, enthusiasim, and for organizing this scholars gathering.’ – comment from evaluation
‘I am still left wondering if there was a point in time when we did not know one another, because at Lexington our individuality was united into one whole wonderful body, the WCC.’ – Samuel Otieno Sudhe (Kenya)
As they each of the scholars are incredibly busy students, it is not easy for them to take the time away from their studies, but this time to sit in the presence of other ecumenical scholars from around the world, to really listen to each other, and to discuss God’s plans for their lives and the life of the wider church is sacred to them. The regret echoed by all of the scholars was that the gathering could not continue past the weekend! They continue to keep in contact with each other and they encourage each other to fulfill the mission entrusted in them by their home churches and the WCC to come back to their home countries with the knowledge they have gained and a mission to serve.
‘Just as the Magi heeded the warning to ‘go back another way,’ I tell you my brothers and sisters: when you go back to your studies from this retreat, go back another way. When you go back to your countries, go back another way. We are changed and we should bring change back with us. Go back another way. Go back another way.’ – David Kataate (Uganda)
